Not having a real trade they began managing service stations, but couldn't settle anywhere long & so as kids, we went to school in several states, never making friends.  I dropped out in the middle of 3rd year high & started work at 14. I decided then I would never marry nor have children. I  picked fruits & vegess in several states, sailed up & down the QLD coast working on islands & crewing on boats.

In 1971, I started travelling abroad, met a Englishman soon after & roamed together with him, pretty much solidly for 14 years, spent two years in Africa, a lot of it on a bicycle, two years in central & southern America, bought donkeys to travel in Peru, traveled India, Pakistan, many Asian countries, sold a few travel stories, bought & sold  items on the way.

 I luckily found well  paid work in one of the most beautiful areas of California called Mammoth Lakes near Yosemite, working there 3 different times over a 9 year period.

Obviously my background, not having close ties, being the eldest, leaving home early, with very fixed  plans for life has set me in good stead for the necessary endurance needed to survive here.

It has been a very real  test, especially emotionally. When I came here I had no money. I started my farm with pigs, chicken, ducks, goats, quail, guinea fowl etc.,   Finding the income impossible I began literally to drag El Nido visitors off the street to bring them here. I offered stretcher beds on the beach & guests had to help with meals in the kitchen.

Several visitors have loaned me money to build  some cottages & very slowly I have improved on it. Sadly life has been like snakes & ladders. Even now during the slow season when I don't see a single visitor for 6 weeks or longer I wonder if it's all worth it. The struggle & the sacrifices are sometimes too heavy.

But with your support & the added recognition from internet & word of mouth I can feel that this year could become easier. I need it as I'm not getting any younger & there are many times I just feel too tired to exert the pressure to maintain the standard that I have set.

Lee Ann conducts the Know Thyself, Heal Thyself, Be Alone, A Natural at Malapacao Island Retreat experience.